About PPEP Integrated Care
Who Are We...
In 1967, PPEP, Inc. was founded by Dr. John David Arnold aboard a 1957 Chevy bus named “La Tortuga (tortoise)” with a $19,000 grant from the Tucson Committee for Economic Opportunity. Its mission to “improve the quality of rural life.” Four decades later PPEP remains dedicated to carrying out the dreams of its first Bracero migrant farm workers students for a better way of life. Si Se Pudo. Yes We Can.
The organization offers a wide range of services including economic and microbusiness support, education, charter schools, housing assistance, job training, humanitarian aid, and essential services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Through PPEP's service model, we empower individuals to enhance their quality of life by identifying and addressing evolving needs, being culturally sensitive, and tackling disparities and challenges faced by the communities we serve.
Additionally, PPEP Integrated Care is committed to providing various services tailored to adults with disabilities, such as personalized person-centered care, habilitation services, transportation, day treatment programs, goal setting support, employment opportunities, residential services, and training programs."
What is PPEP...
PORTABLE – Easily carried or moved from place to place where the people live and work.
PRACTICAL – Concerned with matters of fact and real life experience, not theory; and good at managing matters and dealing with problems or difficulties leading to self-sufficiency.
EDUCATIONAL – The work or planning involved in making somebody ready or in putting something together in advance. Empowerment to succeed and accept life’s challenges.
PREPARATION – The work or planning involved in making somebody ready or in putting something together in advance.
Our Mission...
enhancing the quality of life in rural areas while serving the underserved and un-served individuals throughout Arizona.
Our Goal...
Continue PPEP’s mission and dedication by also assisting underserved and un-served individuals in our rural and urban communities while coming together to develop and teach individuals in ways that foster and create a version of themselves they aspire to be.
Our Commitment...
is to foster self-esteem, confidence, professional knowledge, and skills through a person-centered approach that values and respects each individual's unique journey and aspirations. We strive to empower every individual to realize their full potential, guiding them towards self-discovery and personal growth. By nurturing a supportive and inclusive environment, we aim to enhance their contributions as dedicated participants, enabling them to make meaningful impacts within our community and beyond. Through personalized guidance and unwavering support, we are dedicated to championing the development of not just skills, but also a strong sense of self-worth and purpose, ultimately fostering a culture of empowerment and success.
La Tortuga
La Tortuga is the original bus used by Doctor John David Arnold to travel to local Tucson area farms, providing the farmworkers with basic education and English classes - the first portable educational program offered by PPEP. Today, La Tortuga, refurbished to its former glory, sits in PPEP’s Farmworker Hall of Fame, where it’s used as a meeting room for PPEP visitors